80th Anniversary of the Italian Republic

Shadow Minister for Trade, Industrial Relations, Olympic and Paralympic Games, and Racing, the Honourable Grace Grace MP; Consul of Italy in Brisbane, Mr Giuseppe Di Murro and Vice-Consul, Ms Daria Proietto; Senator of the Italian Parliament, Dr Francesco Giacobbe; long-serving District Court Judge and magistrate, His Honour Orazio Rinaudo AM; Chief Conductor of the Queensland Symphony Orchestra, Maestro Umberto Clerici; distinguished guests; ladies and gentlemen.

I too begin by acknowledging the Original Custodians of the lands around Brisbane, the Turrbal and Jagera people, and pay my respects to Elders past, present and emerging, and to any First Nations people here this evening.

Buonasera, and thank you for your warm welcome.  

Graeme and I are delighted to join you this evening to celebrate the 80th Anniversary of Italy’s National Day—a milestone that honours not only the birth of the modern Italian Republic in 1946, but also the enduring contributions of Italian people to Queensland and Australia.  

From the outset, I acknowledge and thank Consul Di Murro, for hosting us here this evening.  

Queensland’s Italian community is one of the most vibrant and longstanding in our state. From the early canecutters and farmers who helped shape our regional economies, to the post‑war migrants who brought new skills, traditions and an entrepreneurial spirit, Italians have played a central role in building the Queensland we know today.  

I was reminded of this when I travelled to Ingham in Far North Queensland at the beginning of the year, to present the Medal of the Order of Australia to Mr Felix Reitano OAM, recognising his service over many years to business, and to the community of Hinchinbrook.  

The recognition of Mr Reitano with one of our nation’s highest honours is one example of the profound influence Italians—and Italian-Australians—have had in enriching our multicultural identity and shaping our society.

And in fact, this influence stretches back to the beginnings of modern Australia. Historical records show that two individuals of Italian descent – James Matra and Antonio Ponto – served on board the Endeavour when Captain James Cook arrived in Australia in 1770. Fast forward to today, and census data shows that our country is now home to 1.1 million Australian residents of Italian descent.

Other notable Australians of Italian descent include our Prime Minister Anthony Albanese and our State’s Premier David Crisafulli  – who like Mr Reitano, hails from Ingham in Far North Queensland!  

Talk about a community with influence!  

Tonight, we honour and celebrate the enduring legacy of generations of Italians and Italian-Australians who have contributed to Queensland’s prosperity.  

As Governor, I acknowledge the important role of the Italian Consulate in Brisbane and the many Italian organisations and individuals across our State whose dedicated efforts have strengthened the bonds between our state and your home country.   

Queensland is proud of its Italian community, and thanks you for your commitment to ensuring Italian culture remains vibrant and celebrated across our state.

On this, the 80th Anniversary of Italy’s National Day, may we honour the past, celebrate the present, and look with optimism to the future.

Have a wonderful evening and happy National Republic Day.

Grazie.